ARTICLES

24 Mar 2022

Resetting the Throw-Away Lifestyle

Ryan Wong

No politician in both developing and developed nations would be ready to condemn more consumption, more growth and more throw-away. But the alternative need not be anti-consumption. Innovations and nascent movements in sustainable consumption show us more options.

Environment Sustainable Development

21 Mar 2022

Slashing Methane Emissions: A Tricky Business

Ryan Wong|Qiu Jiahui

Reducing methane emissions is achievable, but there are several prickly issues.

11 Feb 2022

Climate Finance in Southeast Asia: Trends and Opportunities

Melinda Martinus|Qiu Jiahui

The Covid-19 crisis has stalled the delivery of much-needed climate finance to developing countries. For Southeast Asia, a region frequently cited as being one of the most vulnerable regions threatened by climate change, the broken promise of climate finance is highly disappointing.

Climate Change Environment Finance Sustainable Development

3 Feb 2022

Facing the Music with Methane

Ryan Wong|Qiu Jiahui

Apart from carbon dioxide, methane has been identified as one of the main contributors to global warming. In Southeast Asia, efforts to reduce methane emissions should focus on the agriculture and oil and gas sectors.

Agriculture Climate Change Environment Sustainable Development

4 Jan 2022

“Adapting to Nature”: A Preliminary Assessment of Vietnam’s Mekong Water Diplomacy since 2017

Truong-Minh Vu|Tram Nguyen

Vietnam’s water diplomacy since November 2017 reflects the country’s concerns over the Mekong Delta Region’s sustainable development prospects. Treating Mekong issues as a national security matter, Vietnam has mobilised resources for the development of the region and promoted regional cooperation towards a sustainable Mekong River Basin.

Climate Change Environment Golden Triangle Mekong River Sustainable Development Vietnam

27 Dec 2021

Myanmar’s Climate Crisis: Damaging Policies Need Reversal

Aung Tun

Myanmar’s looming climate crisis has been exacerbated post-coup, with the suspension of several important climate projects and the refocusing of Myanmar’s economy on extractive industries.

Climate Change Myanmar Myanmar Economy Myanmar Politics Sustainable Development

17 Nov 2021

Technology and Climate Adaptation: How to Fill the Gap

Phi Minh Hong

The adoption of digital technology can help Southeast Asian countries adapt to the effects of climate change.

Climate Change Environment Southeast Asia Sustainable Development Technology

15 Nov 2021

COP26 and Southeast Asia: Cop-outs and Take-Aways

Sharon Seah|Melinda Martinus|Ryan Wong

The conclusion of the 26th Conference of Parties in Glasgow has several implications for Southeast Asia.

Climate Change Southeast Asia Sustainable Development

9 Nov 2021

Southeast Asia and the Major Powers: Climate Change and the Need For Shrewdness

Melinda Martinus|Sharon Seah

Although geopolitics is encroaching onto climate change discussions, a poll shows that Southeast Asians remain objective and pragmatic. Achieving climate goals in the region depends on realpolitik and ASEAN leaders’ shrewdness in tapping resources from all major powers.

China Climate Change E.U. Environment Southeast Asia Sustainable Development U.S.

4 Oct 2021

Malaysia Goes Carbon Neutral, But With a Catch

Ryan Wong

Malaysia’s new target is more ambitious than any other target set by a Southeast Asian country so far. But the qualifier is achievement by 2050 ‘at the earliest’.

Climate Change Environment Malaysia Sustainable Development